Book Two: Chapter 70

“Steady sister, I would talk first.” The woman’s skin flashed through a series of snake skin patterns. “You may call me Ratu. I am a naga.”

“I can smell you from here.” She sniffed the air, scowling at the scent of dirt and snake oil. Worst of all, she could smell the scent of that man on the newcomer. “You may call me Yuki. As a fellow shapeshifter, I know you know what I am.”

“A kitsune. Interesting.” Ratu crossed her arms. “I have a question for you, my tricky little fox. I was wondering if you had seen a man come wandering through here.”

“I did, but he got away.” Yuki pointed down the hill. “And when I find him, I plan on killing him.”

“May I ask why?” Ratu turned her attention to a tree, feigning interest. “I’m just wondering why the extreme hostility.”

“Are you with him?”

She shrugged. “In a way. I guess you could say I have a vested interest in seeing him succeed.”

Yuki frowned. “Seeing him succeed at what, exactly?”

Ratu smiled